PODCAST · religion
Westminster Abbey
by Westminster Abbey
Sermons, services and reflections from Westminster Abbey and lectures on issues of faith, ethics, politics and public policy-making from the Westminster Abbey Institute.
Episodes
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Westminster in conversation trailer
In each episode, a different guest working in public service will take Mark Easton to a historic space, memorial or object in the Abbey, reflecting on what the past can teach us about the present state of democracy.
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Faith in democracy | Westminster in conversation
Join Mark Easton in Westminster Abbey's Chapter House in conversation with Ed Humpherson, Director General of the Office for Statistics Regulation. Discover hidden stories within Westminster Abbey while exploring what it means to have faith in democracy and discussing the past, present and future...
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An Easter Day Reflection
'Turn to the back of the book, read the last sentence too soon, and you spoil the story. It is a mistake we can make at Easter. ‘The day of resurrection, earth tell it out abroad’. That’s a marvellous beginning. Easter Day is a great proclamation, but then we’re tempted to rush headlong, up from...
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A Holy Saturday Reflection
'To talk of ‘descent’ is, of course, a metaphor – the closest we can get to understanding what is going on. But Holy Saturday is when this metaphor must yield to another; of rising, of being raised. The descent into the human condition; into suffering and death and into the furthest alienation…
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A Good Friday Reflection
'Throughout Lent we have considered Jesus through his own statements of who he is: the I Am statements that fill us with metaphor and meaning as we contemplate Christ. But here, on Good Friday, we seem to gaze upon a frightening emptiness made more excruciatingly obvious by Pilate’s…
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A Maundy Thursday Reflection
'Jesus kneels in front of them. This is the posture of an incarnate God; Jesus does not seek to control or coerce, there is no manipulation here. Simply the demonstration of loving, tender service, and a command to do as he does. That is the heart of the new commandment – the mandatum from which…
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A Palm Sunday Reflection
'It is often said, but if we just skip from Palm Sunday to Easter Day, we will have missed all the important bits. We might be more inclined to think that this is some magical happily-ever-after story, rather than the deep Divine engagement in rejection and suffering and death that we discover...
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Lent V: I Am the Resurrection and the Life
'The keeping of passiontide, which we begin today, is a kind of spiritual marathon. And as with any marathon, we need to hold the end in our mind’s eye. It is not just that we will remember the events of Jesus’s passion, death and resurrection, over these next weeks. It is also that we will be...
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Lent IV: I Am the Light of the World
'Jesus said: “I am the light of the world.” Sometimes, that light is pretty literal. At the Transfiguration, Jesus shone so brightly that the disciples had to look away. But Jesus is never just something to look at - to observe. Jesus is also the light by which we see. The light that shines in…
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Lent III: I Am the True Vine
'Of course, ‘body ‘and ‘vine’ are both metaphors, used to help us imagine a truth, the depth of dependency on each other in Christ, that we would otherwise find impossible to grasp. Precisely how we are one body, branches of the one true vine, is deeply mysterious to us, but it is like this; like…
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Lent II: I Am the Good Shepherd
'In John’s Gospel, we are reminded again and again that this Good Shepherd is not only a pastoral figure working with those in his immediate orbit around Galilee and Jerusalem – he is also the Eternal Word of the Father, the One through whom all creation came to be, whose life is the light of all...
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Lent I: The Bread of Life
'Every Eucharist, we are brought face to face with this abundance that does not operate on our own terms. At the altar, we are not given what we want or a vision of God which conforms to our own devices and desires, but instead we are given the bread of life.' Listen to a reflection for the First...
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Ash Wednesday: The Way, the Truth and the Life
'Ash Wednesday, Lent begins and we think hard about our failings. Why do I keep going wrong? We think in fact about temptation and a pattern of failure. Why is it that I keep chasing after the wrong things?' Join us for a reflection on Ash Wednesday by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend…
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Feast of the Epiphany Reflection: Gifts of the Magi
The Reverend James Hawkey explores the gifts the Magi brought to Jesus, and asks what we might lay at Christ's feet in this new year. This reflection for the Feast of the Epiphany is the last of a series of reflections from the seasons of Advent and Christmas. To explore other reflections from…
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Christmas I Reflection: God of refuge
The Reverend Canon Mark Birch explores the story of the Holy Family's flight into Egypt, and God's welcome of all. Join us during the Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and remember what this gift means for us and the world today. This year, clergy from Westminster Abbey have...
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Christmas Day Reflection: The beginning of everything
Merry Christmas from Westminster Abbey! In this reflection, the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle explores the good news of Jesus' birth through the Gospel of John. Join us during the Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and remember what this gift means for us...
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Advent IV Reflection: God's faithfulness to us
The Abbey's Sacrist, the Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival, discusses the meaning of Zechariah's prophecy, and how God remains faithful to us even when we doubt. Join us over the Advent season as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ at Christmas. This year, clergy from Westminster Abbey...
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Advent III Reflection: God's judgement of love
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian at the Abbey, explores Mary's Magnificat and what her prophetic words tell us about the great and mighty wonder of God's love. Join us over the Advent season as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ at Christmas. This year, clergy from...
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Advent II Reflection: What are we hoping for?
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, talks about the traditional themes of Advent and how Isaiah helps us identify our hopes for God's future. Join us over the Advent season as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ at Christmas. This year, clergy from Westminster…
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Advent I Reflection: Looking Back and Looking Forward
Listen as the Reverend Canon Mark Birch reflects on words from the Book of Isaiah, exploring how during Advent we look back at the life of Jesus and look forward to His coming again. Join us over the Advent season as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ at Christmas. This year, clergy…
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An Easter Sunday Reflection
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, reflects on the meaning of Easter, and how Jesus Christ's resurrection shows us what it means to be perfectly human. Join us in the observance of Easter Day, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at:...
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A Holy Saturday Reflection
Today, the Church sits in silence, remembering Christ's body being laid in the tomb. The Reverend Catherine Williams considers the meaning of this day of prayer and reflection. We welcome Catherine Williams - an Anglican priest, spiritual director, and writer - as a guest contributor to our...
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A Good Friday Reflection
Why is Good Friday good? The Reverend Dr Ishaya Anthony, Commonwealth Theologian at Westminster Abbey, reflects on Jesus' death. Join us in the observance of Holy Week, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at: https://westminster-abbey.org/easter/
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A Maundy Thursday Reflection
The Reverend Catherine Williams considers the meaning of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet on Maundy Thursday in this Holy Week reflection. We welcome Catherine Williams - an Anglican priest, spiritual director, and writer - as a guest contributor to our reflections throughout this season. The...
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A Palm Sunday Reflection
The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival, Minor Canon and Sacrist at the Abbey, reflects on the Arma Christi, the symbols of Christ’s passion, on the High Altar’s Lenten array. Join us in the observance of Holy Week, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at:...
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Repentance as Self-Examination
The Reverend Catherine Williams reflects on Jesus and Mary’s interaction at Bethany, as we move towards Holy Week and the events of Christ’s passion and death. We welcome Catherine Williams - an Anglican priest, spiritual director, and writer - as a guest contributor to our reflections throughout...
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Repentance for a New Life
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian and Almoner at the Abbey, examines Jesus’ beloved parable of the prodigal son, with its reminder of the new life that repentance can bring. Join us in the observance of the Lenten season, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed...
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Growing through Repentance
The Reverend Catherine Williams discovers the meaning of Jesus' parable of the fig tree, and how we grow in faith through our repentance. We welcome The Reverend Catherine Williams - an Anglican priest, spiritual director, and writer - as a guest contributor to our reflections throughout this...
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Repentance Made Possible
The Reverend Mark Birch discovers how our repentance is made possible through Jesus, bringing us closer to God. Join us in the observance of the Lenten season, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at: https://westminster-abbey.org/lent Receive these...
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Entering the Wilderness in Lent
Explore Jesus' journey through the wilderness, and how this inspires our Lenten journey of repentance. We welcome The Reverend Catherine Williams - an Anglican priest, spiritual director, and writer - as a guest contributor to our reflections throughout this season. Join us in the observance of…
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An Ash Wednesday Reflection
Join The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, as he explores the significance of Ash Wednesday, and how it helps us enter into the season of Lent.
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Feast of the Epiphany Reflection: God made manifest
Join The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, on the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord, as he explores why Christ’s birth matters. Listen to his reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at:...
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Feast of the Holy Name : God who is revealed to us by name
Discover how the Feast of the Holy Name and the Abbey's Islip Chapel are connected, in this reflection from The Reverend Canon James Hawkey. Listen to his reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at:...
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A Reflection for the First Sunday of Christmas: God who is being revealed to us
Ponder the meaning of young Jesus' teaching in the temple with The Reverend Amanda Bourne in a reflection for the First Sunday of Christmas. Listen to her reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at:...
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Christmas Day Reflection: God who dwells with us
Hear the good news of Christ's coming with The Very Reverend David Hoyle in this Christmas Day Reflection from Westminster Abbey. Listen to his reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/Advent/
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Advent Reflection 4: God who has promised
Explore Elizabeth and Mary's response to God's promise with The Reverend Canon Jamie Hawkey on this Fourth Sunday of Advent. Listen to his reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/Advent/
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Advent Reflection 3: God who keeps faith for ever
Join The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival as she explores the psalm, reminding us of why we should 'rejoice in the Lord always'. Listen to her reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/Advent/
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Advent Reflection 2: God who wants to be known
"God wants to be known in history" says The Reverend Canon Mark Birch, as he reflects on the Luke's gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent. Listen to his reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/Advent/
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Advent Reflection 1: Who are we expecting?
Listen as The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, reflects on Luke’s gospel passage as we begin Advent and the new church year.
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Hymns as Poetry: Charles Wesley’s Rejoice, the Lord is King
Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, The Reverend Amanda Bourne gives a potted history and a personal reflection about the celebratory hymn Rejoice, the Lord is King. Listen…
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Hymns as Poetry: Henry Francis Lyte’s Abide with me
Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival contextualises the hymn Abide with me – from its origins and Biblical inspiration to its miraculous...
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Hymns as Poetry: Edmund Spenser’s Faire is the heaven
Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, sub-organist of Westminster Abbey Matthew Jorysz talks through how poetic lines about heaven and angels were turned into a double-choir...
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Hymns as Poetry: John Milton’s Blest Pair of Sirens
Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, Stuart O’Hara, a bass lay vicar in the Abbey Choir examines John Milton’s Blest Pair of Sirens and how careful composition is used to…
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Hymns as Poetry: William Blake’s Jerusalem
Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, The Reverend Mark Birch talks about William Blake and the context in which he was writing to produce the well-known verses of Jerusalem....
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Sermon for Ascension Day 2024
In his Ascension Day sermon, Acting Minor Canon Ralph Godsall talks about the significance and importance of the day and the different truths it offers. Ascension Day occurs forty days after Easter Day and it marks Christ’s Ascension into heaven. It is a celebration of the power and authority of...
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Address by The Dean of Westminster | ANZAC Day 2024
The Dean speaks about those who died at Gallipoli and those who have died in conflict since whilst drawing upon ideas the Book of Revelation wants to offer us: We should be known not forgotten. We belong together not apart. The Dean also tells a personal story about his Grandfather, who was saved...
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Lent and Easter reflections 2024: Easter Day
On Easter Day, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle reminds us that Thomas needed proof of Jesus’ Resurrection, before reflecting upon what it means to be a Christian. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox:...
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Lent and Easter reflections 2024: Holy Saturday
Beginning with the Gospel according to Matthew 27:57-66, The Reverend Dr James Hawkey talks about the day of stillness, the reality of Jesus’ death and the significance of it today. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox:...
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Lent and Easter reflections 2024: Good Friday
On Good Friday, The Reverend Mark Birch focuses on the distinction between the cross and the crucifix, and how we remember Jesus’ death as a perversion of justice. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox:...
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Lent and Easter reflections 2024: Maundy Thursday
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle considers the Gospel according to John on Maundy Thursday, comparing the atmosphere in the city of Jerusalem to the words Jesus is sharing with his disciples. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox:...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Sermons, services and reflections from Westminster Abbey and lectures on issues of faith, ethics, politics and public policy-making from the Westminster Abbey Institute.
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Westminster Abbey
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How many episodes does Westminster Abbey have?
Westminster Abbey currently has 366 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Westminster Abbey about?
Sermons, services and reflections from Westminster Abbey and lectures on issues of faith, ethics, politics and public policy-making from the Westminster Abbey Institute.
How often does Westminster Abbey release new episodes?
Westminster Abbey publishes regularly with 366 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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Who hosts Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is created and hosted by Westminster Abbey.
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